The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the commitments follow its decision in October to designate the two U.S. firms as having “strategic market status” in smartphones, a label that allows the regulator to impose targeted measures to promote competition.
Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android operating systems together power nearly all smartphones in the UK, giving their app stores and browsers dominant or exclusive positions on their respective platforms. The CMA has argued that this dominance allows the companies to exert significant influence over which apps and services reach consumers, as well as over the pace and direction of technological development.
Under the agreed commitments, both companies will review apps in a way that is fair, objective and transparent, the regulator said. Developers will also be given clearer routes to challenge decisions and seek explanations when apps are rejected or removed.
In Apple’s case, developers will be able to request access to additional iOS features to help them build competing products. The CMA cited examples such as digital wallets and live translation tools, areas where Apple’s own services currently benefit from deep integration with the operating system.
The regulator described the changes as “important first steps” under its tougher competition regime, which is designed to address concerns more quickly than traditional antitrust investigations.
Apple said it faces intense competition across all of its markets and stressed its focus on delivering strong products, services and user experiences. The company added that the commitments would allow it to continue advancing privacy and security protections for users while supporting opportunities for developers.
Google said it believes its existing practices toward developers are already fair, objective and transparent, but welcomed the chance to address the CMA’s concerns through cooperation rather than enforcement.
The CMA has signalled that it will continue to scrutinise how both companies operate their mobile ecosystems, suggesting further interventions could follow if competition does not improve.